SEC football power rankings after spring portal closes: Did Aggies get better?

Post-SEC Spring Power Rankings: #15 - Arkansas Razorbacks

The Hogs are really in a bad way after losing their top two offensive players to the portal in KJ Jefferson and Rocket Sanders. Jefferson made his way to UCF (I’m actually pretty excited to see him in Malzahn’s offense, to be honest) and Sanders headed east to South Carolina. Even promising OT Andrew Chamblee decided to make an exit, ending up at SMU.

The decision to retain Sam Pittman after last year’s debacle wasn’t without controversy for the Hogs, and this is a chips-to-the-center type of year as a result. If Pittman doesn’t show immediate improvement and snag a signature win or two, then it’s tough to imagine that he will be retained for another year. Given that many of the top Hog players entered the portal following the announcement that Pittman would be back, I’m not sure we’re necessarily in for a “players rally around the embattled coach” type of situation in Fayetteville.

Still, though, Pittman is doing his best to play the right notes with the fanbase to hopefully save his job. He hired Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator, fulfilling the longtime dreams of many Arkansas faithful and conjuring visions of the success of the late aughts. He got a 28-year old wide receiver, which may not have made anyone happy, but I think it’s weird enough that I’m going to keep bringing it up.

All that said, there are a few reasons for optimism, especially offensively. TE Luke Hasz showed promise early in the season before going down with an injury, and I have no doubt that new OC Bobby Petrino can make some hay with him in the offense. Andrew Armstrong could be a breakout candidate at receiver, as could Isaac TeSlaa. Taylen Green seems slotted to start at QB. There’s some upside here, but I can’t shake the feeling that the vultures are circling.